European Ceed base for Oz-bound Cerato

Kia previews new Cerato hatch

European Ceed base for Oz-bound Cerato

STARTING PRICE

$19,990

BASIC SPEC

Kia previews new Cerato hatch

16 Feb 2018Alex Rae

Kia debuts its next-generation small car ahead of its offical debut in March.

The South Korean brand has shown-off the Ceed hatch, which is likely the closest look yet at what Australia’s new Cerato hatch will look like when it arrives here later this year. Due to be officially revealed at the 2018 Geneva motor show next month, the new hatch will be joined by an all-new and so far unrevealed body style that’s tipped to be a wagon.

Dropping a clumsy apostrophe from its previous Cee’d name, the new vehicle comes with revised styling inside and out along with new technology including the South Korean brand’s first implementation of Level 2 autonomous-capable lane following assist.

Designed, developed and engineered in Europe, the Slovakian-built Ceed is based on Kia’s new K2 platform and retains the same wheelbase but is lower and wider with a longer rear overhang that grows boot space to 395 litres.

The ride has been comprehensively overhauled with independent suspension, revised damper and spring rates plus optional underbody cover and lower suspension in a special ECO pack that adds automatic closing grille flaps for increased aerodynamics. However, it’s unlikely Australia will receive the full under-skin tweaks and instead carryover the current Cerato’s torsion beam rear-end.

Styling is also expected to change slightly, keeping some of the main elements on the Europe-bound model shown but with different front and rear bumpers.

Inside, the Ceed has been redesigned to represent Kia’s latest uncluttered and horizontal design philosophy with a driver centric focus and centrally mounted floating infotainment system. Variants receive the option of 5, 7 or 8-inch infotainment screens with JBL sound system and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity.

Power is supplied from a range of efficient 1.0 to 1.6-litre engines mated to six-speed manual and seven-speed dual-clutch transmissions while Australia is likely to retain its 2.0-litre engine line-up with the possibility of bringing in a 1.6-litre turbo sport-oriented model.

The new model strengthens the South Korean brand’s expansion into the European market.

“The all-new Ceed offers a truly contemporary and recognisable design, and advanced technologies to enhance comfort, convenience and safety. Its new engines and suspension will make it more enjoyable and engaging to drive, and will continue to offer the same high quality that customers expect from Kia. This will be one of the most innovative cars in its class,” said Michael Cole, Kia Motors Europe COO.

The new Ceed will go on sale in Europe during the second quarter of 2018 and Kia Australia has confirmed the new Cerato hatch will arrive here later this year.